Eighteenth Judicial District - District Court Judge
Honorable Shay K. Whitaker
Retention Year: 2024
Recommendation: Meets Performance Standards
Reports:
2024 Retention Survey Report (PDF)
2021 Interim Survey Report (PDF)
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The Eighteenth Judicial District Commission on Judicial Performance unanimously agrees by a vote of 7-0, with three Commissioners absent from voting, that Judge Shay K. Whitaker MEETS PERFORMANCE STANDARDS.
Judge Whitaker presides over a criminal docket. Judge Whitaker’s strengths include her demeanor, fairness, and case management, noting her pre-docket Webex procedure increases efficiency. A few weaknesses were mentioned, but comments noted wanting more explanation of the legal basis of her rulings. Commission members noted Judge Whitaker is committed to public service and to ensuring fairness and accessibility of her Courtroom. Judge Whitaker is praised for her demeanor and case management skills. In both her interview with the Commission and her self-evaluation materials, Judge Whitaker explained she wants her courtroom to feel safe and accessible to all parties. She focuses on her demeanor and being patient, taking the time to explain the process throughout, and to confirm everyone understands. Based on these findings the Commission unanimously agreed that Judge Whitaker meets performance standards.
In addition to meeting with Chief Judge Amico, the Commission interviewed members of the District Attorney’s Office, Public Defender’s Office, and Probation regarding their interactions with and impressions of Judge Whitaker’s performance. Survey responses reviewed from both attorneys and non-attorneys praised Judge Whitaker’s temperament, punctuality, and communication skills. Survey respondents described Judge Whitaker as fair, personable, and calm. Litigants appearing before her say she maintains control over her courtroom while still being respectful, taking the time to explain issues clearly, using language everyone can understand. Judge Whitaker’s surveys reflected feedback on her Case Management, Application and Knowledge of the Law, Communications, Diligence, Demeanor, and Fairness. Of the twenty (20) completed surveys returned (14 attorneys, 6 non-attorneys), Judge Whitaker achieved an overall performance rating of 3.4 of a possible 4.0. Thirteen (13) out of fourteen (14) attorneys rated her as meeting performance standards (93%), with 100% of non-attorneys agreeing.
Judge Whitaker was appointed in 2015. She obtained both her undergraduate degree and law degree from Ohio State University before moving to Colorado and beginning her career as a criminal defense attorney. Judge Whitaker worked as Alternate Defense Counsel representing indigent defendants for 18 years in Arapahoe, Douglas, Lincoln, and Kit Carson counties. She handled a split docket in Douglas County, consisting of civil, adult criminal, dependency and neglect, and juvenile criminal matters, before rotating to an entirely criminal docket.